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Justin Gatlin has explained how Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson's common love for Japanese animation is shaping their track rivalry especially with the 2025 World Championships taking place in Tokyo.
American sprinting icon Justin Gatlin has weighed in on the intriguing dynamic between Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson, emphasizing how their shared passion for Japanese animation could elevate their burgeoning rivalry.
As the two fastest men in the world, their clash at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo promises to combine the thrills of elite sprinting with the theatrical flair of anime-inspired performances.
Anime Influences: Lyles Channels Goku
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Noah Lyles has long embraced anime, particularly the iconic Dragon Ball Z, as a core part of his identity. His signature post-race celebration—the “Kamehameha” pose, a tribute to Goku’s legendary energy attack—has become synonymous with his victories, including his razor-thin triumph in the 100m final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he edged Thompson by just 0.005 seconds.
“If you ever wondered why I put my hands together stretched out in front of me, it’s because Goku did,” Lyles shared on Instagram earlier this year. He dedicated the post to Akira Toriyama, the late creator of Dragon Ball.
Lyles has also incorporated other anime references, such as donning silver-dyed hair in 2019 to embody Goku’s “Ultra Instinct” transformation—a form that represents peak mastery after overcoming immense challenges.
Beyond the track, Lyles’ love for anime shines through in moments like the U.S. Olympic Trials, where he playfully brandished Yu-Gi-Oh! cards as part of a friendly wager with shot-putter Chase Ealey, another anime enthusiast.
Thompson Finds Inspiration in Broly
Kishane Thompson, Lyles’ closest rival, also draws heavily from Dragon Ball Z. His admiration lies with Broly, a fearsome and naturally gifted Saiyan warrior who rivals Goku in strength and tenacity. For Gatlin, this parallel between the anime characters and the sprinters creates a compelling narrative.
“Kishane embodies Broly’s raw power and natural ability, while Noah channels Goku, the fighter who constantly evolves after every challenge,” Gatlin explained on his Ready Set Go podcast. “It’s incredible to see them choosing opposite sides of the same story. Watching these two go head-to-head is like watching Goku and Broly on the track.”
Tokyo: A Stage for Anime and AthleticsThe choice of Tokyo as the backdrop for their next face-off adds another layer of excitement. Gatlin envisions the rivalry drawing in anime fans and track enthusiasts alike, especially if the sprinters lean into their anime-inspired personas.
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